Eddie Ritz and Janis Fontaine| Palm Beach Post
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On America's 248th birthday, we once again have an opportunity to celebrate and nothings says Fourth of July like a loud and colorful fireworks display. In Palm Beach County, residents have more than a dozen options when it comes to viewing the nighttime color fest. And those destinations often promise live music, food and fun activities for the kids too.
But there are plenty of other opportunities and events to get patriotic if fireworks don't suit your fancy and the fun doesn't end on July 4. The weekend that follows is also packed. From Tequesta to Boca Raton, this list has you covered.
Tequesta
Believe With Me's Freedom 4 Miler
This annual four-mile run directly benefits Believe With Me, an organization that supports families of fallen soldiers. The race takes place at 7 a.m. Thursday, July 4 in Tequesta and each mile is named after a local fallen hero. Signs, along with the hero’s favorite snacks and music, are set up along the route to help runners get to know the celebrated soldier. Believe with Me's signature project is its Gold Star Christmas project which provides holiday gifts for more than 2,500 children. Consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy to the race. The race begins on Dover Road in Tequesta, directly behind Tequesta First Baptist Church. There are five different divisions. The after party takes place in Constitution Park and includes free pancakes, an auction and the awards ceremony.
The race is 7 a.m. Thursday, July 4. It begins 423 Dover Road, Tequesta and finishes at Constitution Park, 594 Dover Road, Tequesta. Race entry fees are $20 to $60. believewithme.com; runsignup.com/Race/FL/Tequesta/Freedom4MileRun
July 4 food specials: An explosion of good flavors and dining deals across Palm Beach County
Jupiter
Baseball and fireworks at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
This annual two-night celebration of the great American game, dubbed The Mega Bash, is back and will be held Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4. On Wednesday there will be the Mega Kids Area at 5 p.m. followed by a baseball game between the Palm Beach Cardinals and the Jupiter Hammerheads at 6 p.m. and fireworks immediately following. Then on Thursday the festivities kick off with the Abacoa 4th of July Block Party at 3 p.m., the Mega Kids Area at 4:30 p.m., the second game of the Palm Beach Cardinals and the Jupiter Hammerheads series at 6 p.m. and another round of fireworks at 9 p.m. The event is presented by the Town of Jupiter and the Town of Juno Beach.
The event kicks off at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3 and 3 p.m. Thursday, July 4. 4751 Main St., Jupiter. For information and tickets to games: rogerdeanchevroletstadium.com/mega-bash; 561-775-1818.
Abacoa 4th of July Block party and golf cart parade
Held in conjunction with Mega Bash, this annual celebration begins at 3 p.m. in downtown Abacoa. The family-friendly event boasts a super-competitive and popular patriotic Golf Cart Parade. Don’t forget to register. There's also a Circus Show, a live music concert featuring Kid Kentucky, a Kid Rock Tribute band, and the Abacoa restaurants, shops and vendors offering holiday specials.
The event is 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4. 1200 University Blvd., Jupiter. Free. abacoa.com
Palm Beach Gardens
PGA National Resort Stars & Stripes Weekend in Paradise with fireworks
The weekend kicks off on Friday, July 5 with the Kids Night Out with Banyan Buddies from 6:30 to 10 p.m. In this event, children can participate in a scavenger hunt, learn tent building and birdhouse designing for $95 each. From 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday adults can test their wits and limits with Honeybelle x ThinkDrink Trivia Night and enjoy happy hour specials on chef's favorites, specialty co*cktails and beers. On Saturday, July 6 the Pickleball Social event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and feature clinics, round-robin play, and tournaments with prizes for top performers. Tickets are $100. The weekend culminates with BBQ and Fireworks from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. There will be live music from Rhythm Me Up, bounce houses, lawn games and axe throwing. The barbecue will include burgers, smoked brisket, rotisserie chicken and more. Adults $120, ages 6 to 12 $30, 5 and younger free.
Information: 400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens. pgaresort.com/offers
North Palm Beach
Fireworks over the North Palm Beach Country Club
They will be held at Thursday, July 4 at the North Palm Beach Country Club. The Scoop Coop Ice Cream truck will be on site delivering the delicious, cooling treats.
The event is 9 p.m. Thursday, July 4. 951 US 1, North Palm Beach. Free. village-npb.org/466/July-4th
West Palm Beach
The 4th on Flagler with fireworks
Hosted by the City of West Palm Beach, this massive waterfront Independence Day celebration will run from 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. Happening along Flagler Drive from Banyan Boulevard south to Fern Street, this event will feature three stages of live music with acts including The Zac Brown Experience, DJ Infiesta and Mischief, who will be cranking out the party tunes, 80s dance and pop cover songs. There will be strolling entertainers as well, including stilt walkers, food and refreshments for purchase and a grand, 18-minute fireworks display. There will be a Military Honor Ceremony, which includes a live performance of the National Anthem, a Military Honor Salute and the presentation of the annual Hometown Hero Award. Want to burn a few calories, get a good workout in before the event and raise money for The Wounded Warriors Veterans Relief Fund? Check out the annual Bill Bone 5K which ends at 4th on Flagler.
The event is 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4. Flagler Drive from Banyan Boulevard south to Fern Street, West Palm Beach. wpb.org/government/community-events
Manalapan
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa weekend of music, carnival
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa will stretch the holiday into the weekend. The fun begins Thursday, July 4, with $8 frozen margaritas and live music from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Breeze Ocean Kitchen. On Saturday, July 6, from noon to 5 p.m. guests can get a free local draft beer with the purchase of a Freedom Footlong at Breeze. Also, on Saturday there will an Uncle Sam Jam with carnival games, bounces houses and prizes from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Information: 100 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan. eaupalmbe
Lantana
Independence Day Celebration with fireworks
Held on Thursday, July 7 at Bicentennial Park, this event will feature live music by Nikki Kid & The Collective, food and craft vendors, games, stilt walkers, and the popular Most Patriotic Baby Contest. The fireworks show begins at 9:05 p.m. BYO chairs and blankets. Free parking and shuttle buses are available from 6 to 10:15 p.m. from Lantana Town Hall and the Finland House parking lot.
The event is 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4. 321 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana. Free. Information: lantana.org/enjoy-lantana-events; 561-540-5754
Lake Worth Beach
July 4th Celebration with parade, raft race and fireworks
Held at, and in the waters near, Bryant Park, this festival kicks off at 10 a.m. with the annual Raft Parade at 10 a.m. followed by the always exciting Great American Raft Race at noon. Things will ramp back up at 5 p.m. with the Journey tribute band Never Stop Believin’ before the fireworks begin at 9 p.m. BYO blankets and lawn chairs.
The event is 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 4. 30 S. Golfview Road at Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach. Free. lakeworthbeachfl.gov
Palm Springs
Sweet Land of Liberty Celebration with fireworks
Hosted by the Village of Palm Springs and held at the Palm Springs Athletic Complex, this event will feature food vendors, live music by Matthew Curry, a set by DJ Mike Locke, craft vendors, a section for kids and will finish with a fireworks show.
The event is 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4. 226 Cypress Lane, Palm Springs. Free. vpsfl.org
Greenacres
'Ignite the Night' Independence Day Celebration and fireworks
Hosted by the City of Greenacres and held at Samuel J. Ferreri Community Park, this celebration will feature live music by the band Wonderama, a fireworks show, food, art and craft vendors, stilt walkers, inflatable rides, contests and games with prizes. Wristbands for inflatable rides $10, face painting $10.
The event is 5:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4. 2905 Jog Road, Greenacres. greenacresfl.gov
Royal Palm Beach
4th of July Celebration with fireworks
This massive event will be held 2 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4. It will feature carnival rides, bounce houses, a water slide, a rock wall, a bungee trampoline, a cornhole tournament, multiple live music acts including a Cher/KC & the Sunshine Band tribute, an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band and a Three Dog Night tribute band. There will be a military tribute and the National Anthem before the fireworks.
The event is 2 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4. 11600 Poinciana Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. Free. Information: royalpalmbeachfl.gov/parksrec/page/4th-july
Wellington
4th of July Celebration and fireworks
Happening at Village Park, this Independence Day event will be packed with activities including a performance by Aerial Trapeze Academy(plus a chance for ages 4 and older to swing for themselves), themed bounce houses, face painting, a petting zoo and wall climbing. There will be nearly 20 food trucks on site to handle all those food and beverage needs and wants. The Southern Blood Band will perform their "Salute to American Southern Rock" at 6 p.m. and the 56 Ace Band will rock the stage at 7:30 p.m. The Zambelli Fireworks International show kicks off at 9:15 p.m.
The event is 6 to 9:15 p.m. Thursday, July 4. 11700 Pierson Road, Wellington. Free. wellingtonfl.gov/659/4th-of-July-Celebration
Westlake
4th of July Celebration and fireworks
The city's third annual Independence Day event will feature live music by Juna N Joey followed by Wonderama, bounce houses, a Game Go Truck (video games), food and market vendors, Gabriella DeMarco singing the National Anthem and a 22-minute fireworks celebration.
The event is 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 4. Kingfisher Blvd., Westlake. Free. westlakegov.com/community/page/city-westlakes-annual-4th-july
Delray Beach 4th of July Celebration
Kicking off at 6 p.m. with the raising of a massive, 60-foot flag, complete with an honor guard and the singing of the National Anthem, this event will feature a silent disco, glitter tattoos, face painting, basketball connect 4, slime making, Tik Tok Dancing, stilt walkers, and other games and activities. Multiple food trucks will be lined up providing tasty treats including pizza, burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, tacos, barbecue, french fries, paninis, empanadas, chicken, brisket grilled cheese, arepas, Maine lobster, lobster bisque, cookies, acai bowls, ice cream, Italian ices, boiled peanuts, mini donuts, smoothies, milkshakes, soft drinks, water, a beer garden and more. There will be live music with two sets by the group The Resolvers as well as several DJs including DJ SoNyce, DJ Dubbz and DJ Big Smile. The evening will culminate with this year's Zambelli fireworks show, that will be on the beach this year, at 9 p.m.
The event runs from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4. East Atlantic Avenue and A1A, Delray Beach. 561-243-7250; delraybeachfl.gov/our-city/things-to-do/4th-of-july
Boca Raton
Sunset Cove Amphitheater concert with fireworks
This one stop shop for Fourth fun will feature a concert by Big Vince and the Phat Cats playing classic rock, Motown, R&B, bounce houses, games, food trucks offering concessions and beverages and a fireworks show.
The event is 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 4. 20405 Amphitheater Circle, Boca Raton. discover.pbc.gov/parks/amphitheaters
Boca Raton's Firecracker 5K, racquet tournament, block party and fireworks
The city will have multiple events to celebrate the holiday on Thursday, July 4. First up will be the Firecracker 5K. This race will take place at 7 a.m. at the Florida Atlantic University campus. A certified 5K, the race is $30 to enter and participants receive a finisher medal, shirt and post-race snacks. Next up is the Liberty Cup Racquet Tournament. Starting at 9 a.m. at Patch Reef Park. This inaugural event will include tennis and pickleball, costs $20 to enter and is set up in a round-robin, bracket style. Divisions are determined by skill level. Winners will receive a Liberty Cup Trophy. Keep the day rolling with the Block Party at Sugar Sand Park. This free event will include kids crafts, a DJ, yard games, food trucks and vendors. Finally, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. enjoy the Fabulous Finale at Countess de ho*rnle Park. This free event will have live music by The Samantha Russell Band, food trucks and vendors, leading up to a spectacular fireworks show.
The Firecracker 5K is at 7 a.m. Thursday, July 4, 777 Glades Road; the Liberty Cup is 9 a.m. Thursday, July 4, 2000 Yamato Road; the Block Party is 1 p.m. Thursday, July 4, 300 Military Trail; the Fabulous Finale is 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4, 1000 Spanish River Blvd. myboca.us/1456/Fourth-of-July
Eddie Ritz is a journalist atThe Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him ateritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism.Subscribe today.
